Luigi Mangione, 26, originally from Maryland, was arrested in connection with the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. After a McDonald’s employee recognized him and alerted authorities, he was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Initially detained on gun charges, Mangione has now been officially charged with murder in New York. The arrest comes after a week-long investigation into Thompson’s murder outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel during a shareholder conference.
Authorities revealed disturbing details from the arrest: Mangione was found to be in possession of a “ghost gun“—an assembled gun without a serial number—along with a silencer and a three-page manifesto. The document is said to express his grievances with American companies, specifically targeting health insurance companies. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the manifesto revealed “malice toward American businesses.”
Mangione’s background is in stark contrast to the allegations. Raised in a well-to-do family in Baltimore with significant real estate interests, he was valedictorian of the Gilman School and graduated with honors in computer science from the University of California. University of Pennsylvania. Once a promising young man, active in his studies and extracurricular activities, he is said to have become estranged from friends and family in recent months.
During his arrest, Mangione initially provided false identification but later admitted his true identity. He was carrying multiple fake identification documents, including a New Jersey driver’s license used to check into a motel in New York City before the shooting. His backpack contained unlicensed guns, cash (including foreign currency) and other documents that showed careful planning.
The incident sparked strong reactions, with many expressing relief at the arrests while others debated the social pressures outlined in the manifesto. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned those who applauded the crime, insisting that violence cannot resolve grievances over the company’s practices.
Mangione faces charges in New York, including second-degree murder, illegal possession of a weapon and forgery. He is currently being held without bail in Pennsylvania and awaiting extradition to New York to stand trial.
